Broken Up but Not Broken: Satisfaction, Adjustment, and Communication in Post-Dissolutional Relationships

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine adjustment, satisfaction, and the frequency of communication that occurs between ex-partners in post-dissolutional relationships. Participants (N = 239) were surveyed on their levels of satisfaction, adjustment to the break-up and communication with their most recent ex-romantic partner as a means to explore the process of redefining romantic relationships into platonic friendships. Results demonstrated that who initiated the break-up influenced levels of satisfaction and adjustment. Adjustment and frequency of communication were affected by whether ex-partners had moved on to a new romantic relationship. Differences were also observed between how males and females adjusted to break- ups. Though not predicted, additional results also showed that whether ex-partners remained friends with one another had an impact on post-dissolutional satisfaction and the frequency of communication. While